Extensions to study period (taught postgraduate)

A standard procedure is in place for taught postgraduate students to be given extra time to complete their degree programme. This also extends their library and IT access.

Full time taught postgraduate students are normally registered with the University for one academic session and their student record is in a single "term" in Banner. The maximum registration period allowed by the University is the standard length of the programme plus two years "top up".

If students need additional time to complete their programme and schools are happy to support the request following the process below will ensure the student record remains accurate and is "rolled" into a second term in Banner if necessary.

Extensions within the maximum time period

If several students from the same programme or school need an extension, the school can submit the request in a spreadsheet or table by including the following information for each student:

student ID number

full name

programme of study

original completion date

extension deadline

modules to

complete

reason for the extension.

Extensions can be granted for a maximum of one academic year at a time.

Updating Banner will reactivate the student's library and IT accounts.

If the extension is for two months or less, the record will remain in the current Banner "term" and only the end date will be amended.

If the extension is for more than two months, Programmes and Assessment (Operations) will roll the record and - subject to confirmation that the student has no outstanding debts - register the student.

The school contact will receive an email confirming if the extension is granted.

Extensions beyond the maximum time limit

Once the two year "top up" period has elapsed, extensions can only be granted by the Student Cases team in the Secretariat.

Fees

If the extension is needed for reasons beyond the student's control, a fee will not be charged.

In other situations, a fee may be charged.

The following scenarios entail the student being registered for longer than the initial study period but are not classed as extensions. The school does not have to complete an extension request form.

Students on "top up" degrees

Some programmes of study allow students to start on a PGCert or PGDip qualification and "top up" to a Masters degree. There are two ways in which the student record can be managed.

Continuous study

If the student is progressing from the PGCert or PGDip to the Masters programme without a gap, contact Programmes and Assessment (Operations) and ask them to roll the Banner record into the next "term".

Non-continuous study

If there is a gap before the student progresses from the PGCert or PGDip to the Masters programme, they will need to reapply to the University with "advance standing". A maximum of 60 credits can be carried forward to the new programme.